Izumo Taisha: Where Japan's Gods Gather Each Autumn
How to visit Izumo Taisha, one of Japan's oldest shrines: the giant straw rope, praying for good relationships and the month the gods come to Izumo.
Quick answer
- What it is: one of Japan's oldest and most important Shinto shrines, in Shimane Prefecture.
- Famous for: its giant shimenawa rope and prayers for good relationships.
- Entry: free.
- Time needed: 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Best time: the tenth month of the old lunar calendar, usually November, when the gods gather.
At Izumo Taisha, a huge straw rope hangs over the hall like a sleeping dragon. Legend says that once a year all of Japan's gods travel here to meet and decide people's fates for the year ahead.
Why Izumo Taisha is a wonder
Izumo Taisha honours Okuninushi, a god of nation building, good fortune and relationships. Its origins are told in Japan's oldest chronicles.
Records suggest the main hall once stood far taller than it does today. Remains of giant pillars found in 2000 support the idea of an ancient hall raised high on stilts.
The month of the gods
Elsewhere in Japan, the tenth lunar month is called Kannazuki, the month without gods. In Izumo it is Kamiarizuki, the month with gods, because they are all here.
Ceremonies welcome the gods at nearby Inasa Beach, and many visitors come to pray for love and good connections.
What to see
| Spot | What you see | Time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Kaguraden | The hall with the giant shimenawa rope | 20 minutes |
| Main hall | The ancient sanctuary, seen from outside its fence | 20 minutes |
| Rabbit statues | Dozens of stone rabbits from the Hare of Inaba myth | 15 minutes |
| Shinmon-dori | The approach street with soba shops | 30 minutes |
| Inasa Beach | The beach where the gods are welcomed | 30 minutes |
When to go
- November: the gods are said to gather, and special rituals take place.
- Early morning: quiet grounds and soft light.
- Spring and autumn: comfortable walking weather.
- Weekdays: fewer crowds.
Our tip: Try Izumo soba, served cold in stacked round dishes called warigo, on the approach street.
Getting there
- From Izumo-shi Station: buses take about 25 minutes, or the Ichibata Railway runs to Izumo Taisha-mae.
- From Matsue: the Ichibata Railway takes about 1 hour.
- By air: Izumo Airport is about 35 minutes away by bus.
Shrine etiquette
- At Izumo Taisha, the custom is to bow twice, clap four times and bow once.
- Walk at the sides of the approach, not the centre.
- Do not touch the shimenawa rope.
- Photography of rituals may be restricted.
Frequently asked questions
Why do people clap four times at Izumo Taisha?
It is the shrine's own tradition, unlike the two claps used at most shrines.
What is Izumo Taisha famous for?
Prayers for good relationships, its giant rope and the yearly gathering of the gods.
Is Izumo Taisha free?
Yes. Entry to the grounds is free.
How do you get to Izumo Taisha?
Take a bus from Izumo-shi Station, about 25 minutes, or the Ichibata Railway.
Kerama Islands
Water so clear and blue it has its own colour name, Kerama blue.
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